Monday, May 15, 2006

Monday Mollohan update

Starting in the 1990s, Rep. Alan B. Mollohan (D-W.Va.) chose an unusual way to funnel federal funds into his poverty-ridden district. He set up a network of nonprofit organizations to administer the millions of dollars he directed to such public endeavors as high-tech research and historic preservation.

Over the same period, Mollohan's personal fortunes soared. From 2000 to 2004 his assets grew from no more than $565,000 to at least $6.3 million. ....

Mollohan used his seat on the House Appropriations Committee to secure more than $150 million for five nonprofit groups. One of the groups is headed by a former aide with whom Mollohan bought $2 million worth of property on Bald Head Island, N.C.

The rich get richer, the poor get poorer, "Two Americas," etc., etc. All that "hate the rich" stuff Democrats have been pumping out for decades, now you've got a West Virginia congressman who voted his way to a chunk of $2 million oceanfront real-estate -- and how many folks in Mollohan's district have a beach house?